Cyclone Michaung Approaching Landfall in Andhra Pradesh: Here’s What You Need to Know in 10 Points

Cyclone Michaung, currently swirling over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast soon, following heavy rain in Chennai. The rain has already resulted in the deaths of at least five people in Chennai. Here are the key updates on Cyclone Michaung:

1. A storm surge of 1-1.5 meters is predicted to flood the low-lying areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh, with the peak storm surge occurring in the Bapatla and Krishna districts. The cyclone is expected to make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds reaching 90-100 km per hour, gusting to 110 km per hour.

2. The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an alert for eight districts – Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada. Section 144 has been imposed in coastal areas of Puducherry, restricting movement until 6 pm.

3. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has instructed officials to treat the storm as a major challenge and prevent loss of life and property. Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 110 kilometers per hour. Special officers have been appointed for all cyclone-affected districts, and Rs 2 crore has been allocated for rescue and relief work. Over 300 relief camps have been set up to accommodate evacuated residents.

4. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry of necessary assistance from the central government. Adequate deployment of National Disaster Response Force personnel has been made, with additional teams ready for further assistance.

5. The Director General of the India Meteorological Department, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, has warned of extremely heavy rainfall, up to 30-40 cm, in cities and towns along coastal Andhra Pradesh.

6. A severe cyclonic storm has the potential to uproot small and medium trees, cause extensive damage to hutments and mud houses, and partially damage telephone and electric poles.

7. Rainfall has ceased in Chennai, but many areas of the city remain submerged, particularly in low-lying areas. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in most places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry today.

8. The Chennai airport will remain closed until 9 am today. Schools, colleges, and government offices are closed, and private companies are urged to allow employees to work from home. Flights have been grounded due to rainwater on the airport runway.

9. The Odisha government has deployed rescue teams as a precautionary measure in southern districts. Coastal and southern district collectors are on alert, and fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea due to tough sea conditions.

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